Sumatran Elephants Towards Extinction

Conservation organizations World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said Sumatran elephant conservation status is now "critically endangered" from "endangered". This assessment is based on the extinction of half the elephant population and 70 percent loss of habitat due to be converted into plantations and agricultural land.

"Sumatran elephants joined the list of endangered species from Indonesia, following the Sumatran orangutan, Javan rhino, Sumatran rhino, and Sumatran tigers," said WWF's Global Species Programme Director Carlos Drews in a press release Tuesday (24/01/2012).

He hoped the Indonesian government to take immediate effective conservation measures to prevent the animals of this remarkable species. One was a moratorium on conversion of elephant habitat.

Previously, The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the subspecies of Sumatran elephants are (Elephas maximus sumatranus) as "endangered" in the Red List of Threatened Species.

It is estimated there are only 2,400 to 2,800 elephants are left in the wild. This number has declined about 50 percent of the estimated population in 1985. The scientists said that if this trend continues, the elephant in the wild could be extinct in less than 30 years.

According to the IUCN Red List, although the elephant as a species has been protected by law in Indonesia, 85 percent of its habitat is located outside the protected areas and outside of the protection system that could potentially be converted to agriculture and other purposes.

Sumatra is the only habitat of Asian elephants are experiencing the fastest deforestation rate than India and Sri Lanka. In the past 25 years, Sumatra lost more than two-thirds of lowland forests. Though this region into the most suitable habitat for elephants.

"Forest concession holders, such as pulp, paper and palm oil industries, has a legal and ethical obligation to protect endangered species that live in their concession," said Anwar Purwoto of WWF Indonesia. *** [MAHARDIKA SATRIA HADI | KORAN TEMPO 3774]

How do Diamonds Come From Deep Below Earth's Surface?

Many people and companies doing the digging to find the diamond. Indeed, this rare mineral is produced at high pressures and temperatures at depths of 140-190 kilometers below the earth's surface.

The problem is, how it can be the hardest mineral to the surface of the earth? The answer is found in experiments that made Kelly Russell, a volcanologist from the University of British Columbia Vancouver, Canada. "Diamonds are driven close to the surface by carbon dioxide gas," he said. The process is similar to the emergence of gas bubbles after opening a bottle of carbonated beverages.

In the bowels of the earth, the pressure becomes very high, which makes carbon dioxide bonded together to form carbonate rocks rocks. Kelly uses carbonate-rich rocks as samples in laboratory experiments.

He sprinkled mineral called orthopyroxene in the sample. After waiting about 20 minutes, the carbon dioxide in the rocks began to explode. "The bubbles are formed right before our eyes," said Russell, who claimed to be surprised.

This experimental approach what happened in the bowels of the earth. Upper mantle layer (7-400 km below the surface) contain 15-27 percent mineral orthopyroxene. As a result, it is easy to interact with the mineral carbonate rocks found at a depth of 140-190 km.

When that happens, the carbon dioxide released from magma pushing molten material into the upper layer with a speed of 14 km per hour. Getting closer to the surface, the higher the content of orthopyroxene, thus making the magma pushed faster. Russell calculations show magma rose from depth 120 km in just 3-8 hours.

The theory of impetus by the carbon dioxide is in line with those seen in the field. Diamonds are mostly found mixed with kimberlite rock solid. These rocks appear on the surface after the eruption due to changes in pressure in the bowels of the earth.

According to James Head of Brown University geologist, Russell experiment was to fill the void in the event of kimberlite eruption. "The new theory is to ensure the diamond through the crust, then spread into a ring and a necklace around the world," said Head. *** [SCIENCEMAG | ANTON WILLIAM | KORAN TEMPO 3774]

La Niña Affect World Flu Epidemic?

La Nina is the term we often hear, particularly those related to climate and weather around us. The term is derived from Spanish meaning "little girl" is a condition in which a decline in sea surface temperatures in the eastern equator in the Pacific Ocean. La Nina can not be seen physically, the period was not fixed.

In the event of La Nina, trade winds blowing along the eastern Pacific Ocean rose (Walker Circulation shifts toward Bafat) so that the mass of warm water carried by more and more toward the western Pacific. As a result, the mass of cold water in the eastern Pacific moves to the top and replace the warm water mass that moves them. This is commonly called up-Welling. With the change of water mass that is, sea surface temperature decreased from normal values. La Nina usually occurs in winter in the northern hemisphere the equator.

La Nina conditions emerge as a tongue of cold water (purple) in the eastern Pacific. (Picture from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/)

Apparently, not only related to La Nina weather happenings as well as its impact on the physical environment. Recent research suggests, La Nina is likely to be one of the triggers of pandemic flu. A number of scientists in the United States found that four of the last pandemic occurred after a wave of cold La Nina, which brings cold water to the surface in the eastern Pacific.

In the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), they write. carriers of bird flu that may alter the pattern of migration when La Nina occurs. However, the researchers add, there are also many instances when La Nina occurs without the spread of new flu strain in the world. Thus, although the phenomenon of climate is one trigger a pandemic, it is not the only factor.

La Nina is the cousin of El Nino heat wave (literally meaning "boy") and both form what is called the El Nino Southern Oscillation (SO-EN). "Enso confirmed - affecting weather, precipitation, and humidity around the world. However, its impact varies or does not remain in the whole world, so there is no clear picture, "said Jeffrey Shaman from Columbia University School of Public Health, USA.

Only in a research note that guided Shaman, seemed proof that the last four of the Spanish flu pandemic that began in 1918, Asian flu in 1957, the Hong Kong flu in 1958, and 2009 and then swine flu, all preceded by a period of La Nina conditions.

A new study indicates that La Niña weather effects could change the flight patterns of migratory birds — possibly triggering flu pandemics. (Picture from: http://ecocentric.blogs.time.com/)

"If we look at the fourth event, we saw it all began immediately after the La Nina occurs in the Pacific. All of a pandemic have in common is the emergence of new viral strains that have not found a cure," he said.

The new virus is usually formed when two existing viruses infecting animals such as birds or pigs and exchanging genetic material. Linkages to the La Nina flu outbreak is not yet entirely clear, but studies have found a wild bird migration patterns and their different stopover when El Nino and La Nina occurs.

"Our best guess is the birds that normally never meet, or stop flying together when La Nina and the viruses they carry a genetic change," said Professor Shaman.

If the swine flu pandemic of 2009-2010 was part of this pattern, confirmed the virus crosses associated with birds and pigs. Wild birds sometimes perch farm in place for farm animals such as ducks or chickens coexist with pigs, especially in developing countries so that this theory was considered quite strong.

Professor Shaman warns that the chain link is not yet strong enough to be proof of a bird flu pandemic pattern as a result of weather or climate anomalies. However, he adds monitoring of birds, pigs, humans, and the genetics of influenza viruses have all been upgraded in response to recent outbreaks, both from swine flu and bird flu. He said, still needed time to demonstrate his theory is true.

"Now we can look at viral gene flow in a number of birds, pigs, and humans, and we may be able to get something more powerful than just statistical data, to obtain better evidence of a mechanism," he said. *** [LIA YULIANI | BBC | NATURE | LIVESCIENCE | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 02022012]

AT2W’s Take: Bishop Bloomer’s Interview with Obnoxious TV’s William McCray [Part 1]

NOTE: AT2W is discussing this interview for one reason only: to expose the dirt in the church and help us deal with the issues.

As promised, we wanted to give our take on the recent interview Bishop George Bloomer of Bethel Family Worship Center in NC had with blogger William McCray of Obnoxious TV blog on the Word Network. Apparently, McCray wrote an article about Bloomer and exposed a pending lawsuit of several hundreds of thousands of dollars and named others as well in the story. The article, according to Bloomer, had his email box blown up after it was posted. For some reason, Bloomer wanted to confront McCray for doing the article about him.

Firstly, we found the thought of confronting a blogger about a story very ridiculous. Bloggers have the right to discuss and engage in topics about anything they desire including public figures like Bishop George Bloomer. We don't agree with Obnoxious' tactics but like anyone, he has the right to speak.

What we don't understand is why an alleged man of God would take the time to interview a blogger. While he found the article to be baseless and ridiculous amongst other things, he, for some reason, wanted to face this 'devil' he calls him. He should know that he will be addressed in many forums and it is the way of the world. But..

Read more here: AT2W’s Take: Bishop Bloomer’s Interview with Obnoxious TV’s William McCray [Part 1] |

‘Soul Train’ Creator Don Cornelius dead at 75 From An Alleged Suicide: Is The Entertainment Industry What God Wants For African Americans as Celebrities?

As you know, Don Cornelius initiated a lot of the fame for many famous music entertainers in the history of black music.  Unfortunately, he is not the first nor the last to die of such tragic circumstances among rich and famous black celebrities.   Many of these previous deaths of African Americans in the entertainment industry could have been prevented, if they would have not idolized fame and fortune, instead of completely worshiping God.   Even before the civil rights movement, African Americans were rebellious and thought it was necessary to compete with white entertainers as movie stars, music and even comedy.   It is very sad, many of them did not even wonder how God felt about it.  Although white entertainers have always dominated in the entertainment industry, it may have not been God's will for African Americans to join them, simply because black people were enslaved and according the Word of God, slavery comes from sin and rebellion.   Therefore, because of the history of slavery within America, African Americans are not necessarily created to follow everything the children of their ancestor's former slave-masters have done.   Therefore, this is why such tragedies among black entertainers may never cease until they completely surrender to God and ask Him what it is, He has prepared for them to do.  In the Bible, there are many chapters that reveal the rebellion of the children of Israel.  God would not deliver that specific tribe from King Pharaoh, until they chose to completely follow and obey Him.  Very similar, for many years, black people have rebelled against God, refused to serve Him and yielded to the tribe, which enslaved their ancestors (Exod. 1:22).


Overall the entertainment industry is allegedly wicked and many of those whom have found a career as celebrity have involved themselves in various sinful lifestyles.   Satanic forces have led many African Americans to not focus on God and do His will.  We are not specifically saying Don Cornelius was involved in Satan worship, because we do not know, but many black entertainers have gone so far to sell their souls to the Devil to reap fame and fortune.   According to Angelica Zambrano, she went on a tour with Jesus Christ to hell and saw Michael Jackson burning in eternal fire and Jesus Christ allegedly told her, it was because He sold His soul to the Devil.   Many African Americans are yet proud of the success of black legendary actors, music artists, comedians and producers, but God may not have ever agreed with their desire to become rich and famous in worldly affairs.   The history of slavery in America is very serious and if you have ever wondered why we keep hearing about so many tragedies, year after year among black entertainers, is probably because their desire was not in God's will.   God has rules and regulations for humanity and we are suppose to consider His purpose for our lives.   Yes, Don Cornelius may have been very successful by promoting many entertainers of all races, mostly African Americans, but was it God's will?   Furthermore, although white entertainers may have also died of tragic circumstances, God yet has a special purpose for those whom have been enslaved in America and no doubt, it was never His will for black men, black women and black children to make the center of their lives of being celebrities.   


Many people respected Don Cornelius, because during the time of the beginning of his career, he was the first black man to become a rich and famous music promoter, but-God may have had a whole different plan for his life and even though he promoted many black music artists on His show and even gave awards to gospel music entertainers.   You see, we did not create ourselves, God did.   God is the creator and we are His creation, therefore we are born to fulfill His assignment and not our own.   Therefore, if we choose to live our lives just to make sure we make a name in history to compete with other races in an industry God does not agree with, then how can we ever be happy?   How can we ever feel complete, if we have not completely surrendered to Him?   Overall, many black entertainers and those whom promote them become miserable, even after reaching success, but fame and fortune is not the answer, Jesus Christ is the answer.   A lot of times, fans of these famous celebrities idolize them and do not serve God without realizing those whom they do not personally know are also making the mistake of idolizing their spouses, girlfriends of boyfriends.   Sadly, in this case of Don Cornelius death, it seems like possibly, he probably could not deal with his prior divorce from his ex-wife, Victoria in 2009.   Like a lot of cases similar to O. J. (Orenthal James) Simpson, it seems like black men cannot take it when their marriages or relationships end with their white wives, because possibly they loved them more than God.   One of the things, Don Cornelius said during the progress of his divorce was this statement, according to Huffington Post: "I am 72 years old. I have significant health issues," Cornelius said. "I want to finalize this divorce before I die."   It sounds like he was planning to end his life, if his health issues did not do it first.  That statement sounded like it was more than health issues that depressed him.   Therefore, many black men and black women have allegedly made the white race their God, although African Americans have been free from over 400 years slavery for many years and God is not happy about it.   This same sickness rubs off on fans of these black celebrities and they have began to live their lives like them, trying to be complete and idolize the white race, instead of completely worshiping and serving God.   We are not saying this is why Don Cornelius allegedly committed suicide, what we are saying is this, many famous African American celebrities have made the mistake of seeking fame, fortune and even keeping up with the white race in the entertainment industry and if they feel like they have failed white men and women in some sort of way, they began doing abnormal things that are not in God's will, similar to O. J. Simpson.  According to the Holy Bible, all people of any race are suppose to follow God and His commandments, but if not, how can they ever be complete, especially those whom have ancestor whom were once enslaved?  No one can ever be complete without Jesus Christ, it does not matter how they were the first African American to be rich and famous as celebrity entertainers or any other career, God is the only way.   It does not matter how an African American celebrity maybe able to be married and be accepted by the descendants of former slave masters of this country, God is the only way and they will never be complete.   

Another situation, involving Michael Jackson, he allegedly lightened his skin, weaved his hair, married the daughter of the late 'King of Rock', Elvis Presley (Lisa Marie Presley), allegedly boasted about how he began the trend of black men dating white women in America and also allegedly sold his soul to the Devil, but obviously it did not get Michael Jackson into God's Kingdom, according to Angelica Zambrano who allegedly saw him burning in eternal hell and damnation. Note: you can hear her testimony on our Video page.   Therefore, it no doubt was a waste of time for many African American celebrities to make history in the entertainment industry and be the first to do anything without God, which has allegedly caused many of them to not seek and serve Him, then eventually die in sin.  However, we do acknowledge Don Cornelius allegedly had health issues, which probably added on to his severe depression.


May Don Cornelius rest in peace and we pray for his soul, which once lived a life as the first African American music promoter of Soul Train, a national televised show.  It was his black version of the American Band Stand.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Watch Video

‘Soul Train’ creator Don Cornelius dead at 75 

Founder of groundbreaking show found with self-inflicted gunshot wound to head, according to report

By Larry Mcshane / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

“Soul Train” creator and host Don Cornelius, who brought R&B into America’s living rooms with his long-running television show, committed suicide Wednesday, according to TMZ.com

The 75-year-old Cornelius was found with a gunshot wound to the head around 4 a.m. inside his Sherman Oaks, Calif., home, Los Angeles police said.

The celebrity web site said the fatal gunshot was self-inflicted.

Cornelius had battled health problems in recent years, and endured an ugly, public divorce that followed a 2009 sentence of three years’ probation for spousal battery.

His legendary television show...Read full article, here.

Source and photo courtesy: NYDailyNews
Source: http://youtu.be/q7PIHD-8wZc 
Source: http://youtu.be/pZFI7R4ZxKQ 

5 Unique Appropriate Technology

Appropriate Technology (AT) goal is to improve the living standards of developing countries. The findings of the AT are usually more environmentally friendly, efficient, and use materials easily available to target social, cultural, and ethical communities.  As summarized by http://www.uniknya.com, the following five appropriate technology that is unique in the world:

1. One Laptop Per Child (OLPC)

One Laptop Per Child (OLPC)

One Laptop Per Child, or also called The Children's Machine is a computer Jingjing worth 100 dollars, or USD. 900,000 OLPC was initiated by the Association which consists of information technology vendors such as AMD, Google, eBay, Nortel, Marvell, etc.. Created with the aim of giving affordable access to modern knowledge.

The form of a mini laptop computer that takes minimal effort, using flash memory instead of hard drive, and Linux operating systems. Launched since 2006, was 1.84 million units sold in Peru, Ghana, Rwanda, and so on.

2. Nokero N100 (Glow Light Solar Powered)

Nokero N100

Although not known for certain, most regions in the world is still plagued darkness. Solar-powered incandescent lamp Nokero series N100-from American Hong-Kong joint venture company, may change that.

This clever product stores solar energy during the day time, with a lamp made of impact resistant plastic material includes four solar panels, five LEDs, and the NiMH batteries that can last two years. Single unit price of 15 U.S. dollars or about Rp. 135 thousand, but it becomes 6 dollars if purchased in bulk.

3. Concrete Canvas Shelter (Anti-Fire & Strong Tents)

Concrete Canvas Shelter

When we talk about the tent, definitely easy to carry everywhere, easy to install but unfortunately not too strong, unlike this one. Conrete Canvas Shelter is a tent made by private companies from the UK which can be used an emergency (earthquake, and so on) are waterproof and anti-fire.

Anti-fire tent is to use a material called Concrete Cloth that is a layer that had a content of cement / concrete will harden when quenched in water. To build it to be pumped with artificial wind.

4. Hippo Roller (Efficient Tool Water Carrier)

Hippo Roller

In some countries on the African continent, water distribution is a heavy work done by women and children. Apart from having to travel long distances to the spring, the temperature is very hot also suck their energy while fetching water.

Hippo Roller is a simple tool production in 1997 to transport water from water source to the village with a capacity of 90 liters. Shaped like a barrel with a handle that makes it easier to move the driving. With the tool works Pettie Petzer and Johan Jonker, work more efficiently and saving energy.

5. LifeStraw (Drinking Tool Virus Filters)

Lifestraw

In 2009, there were the deaths of about 5,000 people per day in the world due to drinking water is not hygienic. This amount was reduced from 6.000 deaths in 2007, and the Swiss company made LifeStraw, Vestergaard Frandsen, this contributes to reducing that number.

This tool is a water purifier is inexpensive, easy to use, does not need electricity, and filter up to 99.99% and 98.7% of bacteria type strain in the water. Not surprisingly, this tool was awarded the "Best Invention of 2005" from Time magazine, "Innovation of the Year" from Esquire. *** [ILHAM SANTOSO | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 10012012]

What is Smart-TV?

Apparently, the smart gadget fever did not want to quit, maybe even more sweeping world. At the moment our attention and awe will smart phones and smart tablets have not dissipated, will soon greet smart television.

This generally leads to the definition of smart ability of many functions. Example, mobile telecommunications is not only a tool, but also photo cameras, mini computers, GPS, etc. The more menu included, may be called more intelligent gadgets.

Now, in a matter of a few months into the future, intelligent television will soon greet the people of Indonesia. Mainly from two champions of information technology vendors, Apple and Google, both of which are from California, USA.

There would be never-ending rivalry when we both spoke of the largest manufacturers of gadgets today. After competing hard in the mobile phone operating system, they soon compete in the brand in the television market: Apple TV and Google TV.

What is this? Perhaps, this question is the most rapidly emerging out of our minds. The next curiosity about certain ranges, what's the difference with conventional television?

Apple TV

We begin with the Apple TV. This device was originally not a big screen television that we usually see in our homes each. This is sort of set top boxes, small boxes containing the content that can be connected to your television. 

So, good content from iTunes can be played in real time on television across the brand, especially in high definitions TV / HDTV, or that have a resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels alias is equivalent to 1/2 million pixels per frame.

Apple TV when it's just kind of synchronization between the boxes with television sets using a computer network or WiFi access. Therefore, this is not the same as the iPad, iPhone, or iPod that is full of Apple products.

This device is also not a new product for Apple's founder, the late Steve Jobs, was introduced in 2007 at the Macworld Conference, with the initial name of iTV. Its capacity was 40 GB hard drive and video capabilities 720 fps (frames per second).

May 2007, capacity was increased to 160 GB. On January 15, 2008, capacity increased again because the owner can simply buy the box set iTunes content directly from the box, iTunes does not have to go first.

On 1 September 2010, Steve Jobs revolutionized the Apple TV. In addition to the size of the set boxnya only 1/4 of the initial shape, speed of access was better, and replace the hard drive function in iTunes to download content with a flash memory.

After merely providing access devices, the company plans to expand the Apple TV more seriously by mid-2012 launch of this plan. Yes, of course, in the form of full quality HDTV television that supposedly size 32 and 37 inches.

On 28 Desernber 2011, Walter Isaacson, former CEO of CNN and TIME magazine is also the author of biographies of Steve Jobs, said that the late founder of Apple has found a way to make a TV that is integrated with a user-friendly.

This issue is even louder, when a number of portal technologies such as www.t3.com, reported that the specialist product design, Jonathan Ive, is endeavoring to complete the two latest models of Apple TV.

Most likely, the report continued, his name will again be changed from the Apple TV iTV. iTV will use their mobile operating system, IOS. It features the Siri-tech controls, Airplay, iCloud, and integration with iTunes. In short, besides watching television, can also be games, browsing, and social networks (Twitter, Facebook and Google +).

Google TV

So, like what Google TV? This product was also originally the same as Apple TV, set top box that is shaped based Android operating system. Product was first shown in Think-Free Officer at International Consumer Electronic Show in 2010.

A few moments later, they were introduced in the form of wide-screen television complete cooperation between Google, Intel, Sony, and Logitech on May 20, 2010 and on the mat Google's Google I / O. Officially, this product is sold on October 6, 2010.

In this product, you can simultaneously watch television with the Internet. Because it's one of their slogans is "TV Meets Web. Web Meets TV". This is indeed a fact that could real enjoyable.

When watching cable TV channels such as HBO, for example, the owner of this tv also can surf using the Google Chrome browser. The owner can also find videos dihendaki, as easy as looking for different content from Google as long as we do.

Do not forget the Android Market. Applications market was rising can also be found the owner of Google TV so compelling content that is identical for free on Android Market, can also be found here.

The greatness of this can be more felt because since November 2011, Google announced the Android smart phones can be used as a remote control. Plus, can find a variety of content from Youtube, as a subsidiary of Google. In this year, Google took the LG TV will be released in the first half of 2011. While other new partners, Samsung, will be released simultaneously with the launch of Apple TV.

In fact, both Apple TV and Google TV has not been completely successful. In fact, one of Google's TV partners, namely the Logitech from Taiwan finally stopping the production of their Google TV last November after losing up to 100 million U.S. dollars.

Nevertheless, with reference to worlds lifestyle changes, including in Indonesia, the smart tv definitely has great potential. Well, Will smart tv boom such as smartphones? *** [ILHAM SANTOSO | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 10012012]